The untold saga of Daria Ramirez
DESPITE having been separated for many years, veteran actress Daria Ramirez still uses “de Leon.” For the benefit of the millennials, Daria (surnamed Tugas in real life) — pending her annulment — is still legally married to TV host-comedian Joey de Leon, or the Master Henyo as he’s popularly known.
Then, going 20, Daria was five years Joey’s junior. Their shortlived romance, however, bore two kids — Cheenee and Keempee.
For the most part of their lives, it was Cheenee who practically grew up with her granny, Joey’s mother. But the oldie, Daria swears, loves her two grandkids equally and unconditionally. Cheenee’s attachment to her Lola explains why — based on Daria’s account — she grew up “brainwashed” to develop leanings more toward Joey than her.
Keempee is said to be his elder sis’ exact opposite and far more caring toward his mom. This is just a sneak peek into the story of the 61-year-old actress, which she — for the first time — shared with the public via “Ogie Diaz Inspires” vlog.
For many years now, Daria has been living alone. No partner or fiance (who came after Joey). She doesn’t even share the same roof with either of her kids.
“I think I got used to it. I was probably brought up that way by my parents. That’s why I’m strong,” Daria justified her solitude.
Fending for herself, it’s only necessary she finds ways and means to survive.
Nah, Daria didn’t give us the impression that she’s in a state of abject poverty, only in need like anyone else.
Since acting jobs come in trickles these days, what admittedly concerns her is how she’ll go about her daily routine, telling herself: “Naku, sino na naman kaya ang lalapitan ko bukas?” (Who shall I run to for help tomorrow?)
Before going any further, Daria is well aware her revelations might elicit violent reactions from Cheenee and Keempee: “But I’m just telling the truth, so why should I be ashamed?”
Nevertheless, her financially challenged situation compelled Daria to seize the opportunity to go on Ogie’s vlog show and channel a request to her estranged husband.
Facing the camera, a straightforward Daria tells Joey: “De Leon (that’s how she addresses Joey), if you’re watching or any of your friends are watching, may pakiusap sana ako sa iyo (I have a favor to ask you). Since we’ve been off for many, many years, why don’t you just give me monthly support as well as find a place where I can stay. Yes, hindi ako nahihiyang sabihing kailangan ko ng pera (I am not ashamed to say I’m in need of money), but let me be clear about this, hindi ako nanggugulo sa inyo ni (I won’t cause any trouble for you and) Aileen (Macapagal, Joey’s current partner).”
Even before she could mouth such words, Daria already had an idea what Joey’s reaction would be based on how well she knows comedian and TV host: “Si Joey kasi ‘yung tipo ng taong ayaw na ayaw siyang pinangungunahan. (Joey is the type of person who really hates being preempted). He wants every decision, every move, every plan to come from him. I already told him about this, inuulit ko lang (and I’m just repeating it).
“You know what his reaction was? ‘”Yun ba ang gusto mong mangyari?’ Tatango lang siya, tapos, magpapaalam na: ‘Sige, aalis na ako. May pupuntahan pa ‘ko!’” (He’ll say, “Is that what you’d like to happen?” Then he’ll nod and say, “OK, I’m leaving now. I’ve still got somewhere to go.”)
Apart from asking for regular monetary support, Daria wishes that Joey gets their marriage annulled, but this time at the latter’s expense.
“Naku, nakagastos na ako ng (I already spent) P1 million, which I didn’t even know where it went. Nagulat na lang ako isang araw, annulled na raw ang kasal namin! (I was just surprised when one day, I was told our marriage was already annulled). Sa loob-loob ko, (In my mind, I thought) ‘How did it happen when I don’t remember having affixed my signature on the documents?!’”
Caught in this confusion, Daria can hardly find any justification for what her children’s personal lives have become: “Si Cheenee, nahiwalay sa asawa (is separated). Si Keempee, binatang ama (is a single father). I didn’t realize that my relationship with their father would take a heavy toll on them.”
This is also precisely the reason why Daria can’t blame Keempee if the latter poured out his sentiments toward Joey on social media last year.
“Remember when Keempee had posted his grudges against his dad? Kasi naman, Joey doesn’t visit his kids at home! Ang ending: it was Keempee who got bashed by the netizens, kesyo ang tanda-tanda na raw ni Keempee, dependent pa sa tatay niya! (Netizens bashed him for being so old yet still dependent on his father).”
Daria confessed to being hurt by the deluge of social media attacks against her son, “Simply because I know Keempee more than than those judgmental netizens do! My son is never like that! Even Tita Caring (fellow veteran actress Caridad Sanchez) tells me, ‘Dada, ang babait ng mga anak mo! At ang gaganda/guwapo pa!’ Sabi ko naman, ‘Tita Caring, ang babait na lang...kasi ‘yung maganda’t guwapo, given na!’ (laughs).” (Tita Caring would tell me my children are very good and also good-looking. On the other hand, I’d then say she can just praise them for being good because being good-looking is already a given to them!).
To further prove Keempee isn’t a resentful child, Daria points out: “For the netizens’ information, for three months last year pinupuntahan ako ni Keempee sa bahay, inaabutan ako ng pera. (Kempee regularly visited me at home and gave me money). If I refused, he’d insist that I get it!”
Meanwhile, in Cheenee’s case, Daria asserts she’s not throwing in the towel to make her realize one day her mind was just “poisoned” about her. Like Keempee, Cheenee is as much loved, valued and appreciated.